Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak

The brand new, five star Courtyard By Marriott Bali Seminyak, right by the beach.

On her quest to show just how diverse Bali is when it comes to holiday choices, Catriona came across a very special place. The brand new, five star Courtyard By Marriott Bali Seminyak, right by the beach. It ticks all the boxes.

Seminyak Beach is Bali’s most fashionable area with luxurious resorts, fine restaurants and boutiques. A few minutes’ walk or a two minute buggy ride from the hotel takes you to its designated guest area on Seminyak Beach.

Courtyard by Marriott has 287 designer rooms and suites with private balconies overlooking beautiful gardens or one of the pools. Elegant bathrooms have rain showers and a range of exclusive Nirvae treatments to enjoy.

Before she ventured indoors, Catriona was drawn outdoors. The tiered pool area is the centrepiece of the hotel. There are three interconnecting sky-blue pools – Fountain Pool, Main Pool and Pool With Sunken Bar. They all have a sundeck with lounge chairs, bean bags and umbrellas.

There is a beautiful little wading pool for children and there is plenty to keep them occupied in the Kids’ Club. Pool games, sandcastle building, Balinese dancing, a treasure hunt and popcorn are all winners. It’s the ideal place to deposit the children in safe hands while parents have some time together.

Breakfast is served all day in the Seminyak Kitchen and Catriona indulged in the house specialty – a Bloody Mary Burger. The patty contains the ingredients of the famous cocktail (you are also served one of those), and while the burger wasn’t easy to tackle, Catriona loved it – particularly the chilli kick. They also cook up a mean Eggs Benedict and crispy Bintang Fried Chicken.

The restaurant has a mouth-watering ‘Taste of Bali’ dining experience showcasing classic local cuisine with bold modern twists.

The Pool Bar is the perfect place for casual dining. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and there’s a Happy 3 Hours from 4pm.

The hotel will arrange a barbecue pack or picnic hamper, there’s 24 hour room service and highly recommended local restaurants will deliver to your room. You may also indulge in a special afternoon tea in your room.

More pampering is to be enjoyed at Zanti Retreat Spa. Relax with body scrubs and wraps, facials, therapy baths, massage and even sessions for children.

Zanti has a ‘Rekindle Your Romance’ program which includes a traditional Balinese massage or exotic Chocolate Dream scrub.

If you fancy a spot of exercise the 24 hour gym has a full activities program, including water aerobics, yoga and Pilates. There are bicycles for hire if you fancy exploring the area, or you might enjoy a few games of table tennis.

Catriona has certainly found somewhere special to relax or be busy, to be pampered, indulge in superb food and drinks and is ideal for couples and families.

Location

Seminyak on the Indonesian island of Bali.

Cost

Scoopon Travel has a great deal at the Courtyard By Marriott Bali Seminyak. 5 nights for 2 adults in a deluxe room, including breakfast every day, a 2-course lunch and dinner, 2 x 1 hour massages to share and your choice of 2 cocktails or 4 beers each day – all from just $999. That’s up to 74% off.

VISA: Australian passports must have a minimum validity of 6 months from date of arrival. 7 day and 30 day visas are available on arrival. Requirements and fees change regularly, so check with the Indonesia Consulate for current information.

ELECTRICITY: Current is 22V, 50Hz. Sockets are two-pin plugs and adaptors are cheap and on sale everywhere.

TIME ZONE: GMT +8 hours.

CURRENCY: Indonesian rupiah.

TELEPHONE CODE: 62

It is recommended travellers see their doctor at least six weeks before departure as there may be specific vaccinations recommended for areas you will be visiting. Other health precautions and preventions may also be recommended. For further information log on to www.smartraveller.gov.au and www.welltogo.com.au